Stress is all too common in the work place. There are a number of contributing causes, including fear of being let go, pressure to not make mistakes, too much overtime, and lack of job satisfaction. Any of those factors can be overwhelming for someone who doesn’t know how to keep his or her stress levels under control. Below are six ways you can effectively manage workplace stress.
1. Recognize When You’re Stressed
Stress can take a number of different forms, both mental and physical. You may be feeling depressed, anxious, or irritable. You may also be tired, scatterbrained, or lacking motivation. Additionally, you might notice some muscle pain, headaches, stomach problems, or a reduced sex drive. If you’re feeling any of these symptoms, ask yourself what could have you stressed. Once you identify your stressor, remember to…
2. Keep Things in Perspective
If you recognize that you’re stressed, remind yourself that things aren’t as bad as they seem at this moment. Your stress is causing your body to respond disproportionally to whatever predicament you’re in, and how you feel right now isn’t indicative of its severity. Simply remind yourself that you’re probably overreacting and the best thing you can do is keep calm so that you can evaluate your situation with a level head. It may get you closer to realizing that it helps to…
3. Know When to Let Things Go
When someone tells you to “let it go” you rarely feel more relieved. Maybe it would be more effective if that person told you why letting go of what’s troubling you go is a good option. For one, your body can’t handle the stress. The symptoms mentioned above won’t subside until you stop focusing on the cause of all your pressure. Secondly, stressing will get you absolutely nowhere. You can’t change anything or fix any mistakes by inflicting emotional pain on yourself. If anything, your stress will only make things worse. Lastly, you’re not always objective in these sorts of circumstances. Your problem may not be as bad as it seems, or may only be temporary. There are all sorts of reasons not to hold on to what’s causing you stress when it can often be just as easy to let it all go. Once you do let go, remind yourself of how you can avoid or dampen stress in the future. One way is to…
4. Find a Work-Life Balance
If your job is everything to you, of course a setback in the workplace will feel catastrophic. Find a healthy balance between your time at work and the rest of your life so that all your eggs aren’t in one basket. Spend social time with friends and family, pursue nonwork interests, and be sure to include relaxing activities in your schedule so that you can you wind down after a busy day. And, of course…
5. Live a Healthy Life
A jog might be the last thing you want to do before you work an eight-hour day, but it can often be the best thing for you. When you can barely catch your breath, you will struggle to feel stressed about something happening at work. Your exhaustion frees you, clearing your mind, increasing energy, and benefiting your mood. Healthy eating habits also help. Your mind and body will feel a lot more level with frequent, small meals than with the occasional candy bar or slice of pizza. If even this fails to help you cope with stress then you should seek…
6. Social Support
Oftentimes the solution to workplace stress can be found in the workplace itself. Many employers offer employee assistance programs to help you deal with things at work that negatively affect your well-being. The intensity of the work environment can often be the cause of stress, but employers know that and understand that programs that improve an employee’s well-being and job performance are beneficial to both sides.
Featured photo credit: Giuseppe Savo via flickr.com
